CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design

This course/qualification reflects the role of graphic designers at the beginning of their professional careers. Students will combine technical, creative and conceptual skills to create designs that meet client requirements and solve a range of visual communication challenges. They will demonstrate a sound understanding of design theory and practice and will be able to analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to generate design solutions.

Graphic designers work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media. At this level, the designer is likely to be working in junior or generalist roles. Their work may include or have links to areas such advertising and promotion, art direction, branding, corporate identity, instructional design, packaging, signage and web design.

Pathways into the qualification
The qualification CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design is designed for those working in, or wishing to work in the role of graphic designer. It is recommended that people entering this qualification either possess a Certificate IV qualification or have equivalent vocational expertise in a field related to graphic design, such as printing and graphic arts. Depending upon specific individual pathways and competencies achieved, other qualifications in design, information technology, screen and media may also be relevant. It is also intended for those who may already be working in the industry and have gained significant knowledge in Graphic Design. The Preparatory Skill Set for Professional Graphic Design Practice is also a suitable pathway.

These skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.

Pathways from the qualification
Students with CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design are able to work in a range of professional graphic design roles, often as junior or generalist designers. The conceptual and theoretical content in this qualification also supports learning at higher levels. Graduates may engage in further learning in vocational and higher education through Advanced Diploma and Degree qualifications in graphic design and broader areas of practice, such as digital media or other design disciplines.

Course Duration
Diploma course duration depends on; a students pre existing qualifications and experience, a students full time or part time status and study commitment and finally the pace at which the student studies.

Our Diplomas can be studied full-time or part time with the student deciding on their own study pace by enrolling in either one or two subjects per Term. Normal duration is one year full-time; two years part-time.

It is expected that the student will allow 10 hours (part time) to 20 hours (full time) per week for their classes and home and work study. Virtu’s academic year is divided into 8 terms of study per year, with enrolments in January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November of each year.

Tuition Fees and Payment
The tuition fee for this course is $18,000 and there are a number of ways you may choose to pay for your study at Virtu – details are available here (http://virtudesigninstitute.com/fees-fee-help/). If you choose to use a VET Student Loans to pay for all or part of your tuition fees, additional entry requirements apply (see below) and you will be charged a Loan Fee of 20% by the Commonwealth Government.

Additional Entry requirements for VET Student Loans Students
For students to be eligible to access VET Students Loans they are required to be an Australian citizen; or hold a permanent humanitarian visa and usually reside in Australia; or be a qualifying New Zealand citizen.
Additionally you will be required to provide us with:

a certified copy of a certificate for a qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 (or above) that was delivered in English, or

a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education awarded by an agency or authority of an Australian State or Territory for your completion of year 12 of school, or

a certificate of competency at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy using an approved assessment tool arranged by Virtu.

Student Entry Procedure:
In order for Virtu to determine that a prospective student is academically suited to undertake a particular course, there are 6 steps to complete the application process; Step 1- Complete the online enquiry form and submit it to Virtu, Step 2 – Virtu Staff member will contact you for a face to face and/or Skype interview, Step 3 – Send to Virtu by email or upload to the Virtu website your academic and personal documents, Step 4 – Virtu will send you a formal acceptance of your application, Step 5 – Successful eligible applicants can elect to pay their own course/tuition fees, make an application for VET Student Loans and/or a Virtu Scholarship, Step 6 – Virtu confirms enrolment, provides information on course commencement date and induction.

Student Study Term 1

VDIS10015 Visual Communication Skills

Credit Points 15
This subject investigates and researches meanings, messages and information that are imparted, both overtly and subliminally, in design practice at an industry level. Students are encouraged to develop an in-depth understanding of how visual language is utilised to communicate with the targeted audiences, purchasers or users. By refining their drawing and other visual representation tools, students will present a body of their own creative work that matches with the professional standards and industry trends.

VDIS10016 Design for Production

Credit Points 15
In the world of design today, creativity and collaboration have become very valued assets. This subject focuses on ways and means to cultivate creativity, develop ideas, manage and present them to others as well as engage in the creative process centered on commitment, trust and professional ethics. Students will learn the process of creating and developing an advertising campaign which includes designing across different media such as print, electronic and digital and while doing so work individually as well as collaboratively in the creative process.

Student Study Term 2

VDIS10017 The Consumer and the Designer

Credit Points 15
The first step towards creating effective designs is to understand the consumer and the market which the product serves; the best designers know why, when, where and how products meet consumer needs before solving the design problems. This subject, therefore, equips students with basic concepts in marketing such as marketing mix and consumer profiles, which are critical to consumer choice. In addition, students gain insight of the creative strategy employed by designers in advertising to achieve the solution. Designers are expected to develop empathy and awareness so that they can design visual messages suitable for the products but also appeal to both the hearts and minds of consumers.

VDIS10020 Typography 1

Credit Points 15
Typography is the visual representation of language – often called ‘the visible language’. Understanding the relationship between the spoken and written/printed/screen languages is a pivotal attribute for the graphic designer. The spoken word can have a powerful impact on the listener and, for similar though sometimes quite different reasons, the manner in which the visible language is presented (the format or layout) can have a profound influence on the way the information is interpreted.
This subject explores typographic message making in various forms – traditional and contemporary – focusing on the basic typographic conventions: why they are how they are, and what designers can or should do about them. Students will thus develop an understanding of visual language as it relates to reader-centered needs.

Student Study Term 4

VDIS10018 Visual Communication History Theory

Credit Points 15
The knowledge of how design and design concepts developed over time is extremely relevant to designers in contemporary practice. This course provides an overview of how histories of design evolved alongside visual communication theories. Students will contemplate the relationship between design and visual communication theory amid political, cultural and technological developments. Students are to think critically about the stages of development and draw their own conclusions about how these theories and histories apply to the cultural contexts in which their practice is situated. In the learning process there will be an opportunity for students to think critically, to develop story telling narrative skills, to present concepts and to debate ideas.

Student Study Term 3

VDIS10019 2D and 3D Graphic Design

Credit Points 15
Planning and producing a body of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) graphic design work in response to a variety of visual communication challenges is the main goal of this subject. Students will combine technical, conceptual and organizational skills to develop a command of relevant software programs, an understanding of materials and applications on site specific 3D graphic design projects, and the creative ability to generate ideas to meet different needs; from 2D illustrations to 3D public space signage.

VDIS10021 Working in Digital Design

Credit Points 15
Photo imaging, as it relates to graphic design practice, is unique in the expression of visual communication styles. Through a series of lectures, discussions and critiques, students will develop valuable knowledge and experience in visual communication theory, production of original photo media, digital asset management, image manipulation, digital imaging workflow management and the preparation of digital artwork. Students will be assessed on their report, portfolio of images and discussion forum participation. The student’s ability to research and experiment with communicating using the language of this medium, and to appreciate ideas and trends in photo-media for graphic design is the primary objective of this subject.

Student Study Term 4

VDIS10022 Advanced Graphic Design Studio

Credit Points 15
Frequently working on a freelance basis, graphic designers may also be employed in graphic design studios, commercial printing companies, advertising agencies, book and magazine publishing companies, television stations or marketing divisions of any business. In this subject, students will investigate the incorporation of hand and digital illustration and many different visual elements into graphic publications. They will experience technical restrictions on format or size and find resolutions. Students will develop an understanding of promotional, editorial and corporate styles and how to design for each category. At this level, the designer, working independently, is responsible for the overall design layout.